Apple Yanks watchOS 3.1.1 Update After It Bricks Apple Watch Devices
Cupertino, we have a problem. There has been a rash of complaints from Apple Watch owners that applying the recently released watchOS 3.1.1 update ends up bricking their pricey wearable, rendering it a still fashionable but non-functional wrist accessory. In response to those complaints, Apple has pulled the update offline, leaving watchOS 3.1 as the most recent version available.
The issue seems to mostly affect Apple Watch Series 2 devices. Not everyone with a second generation Apple Watch who installed the watchOS 3.1.1 update ended up with a bricked wearable, though it is not clear why some have failed while others have not.
Source: Reddit (Moust4ki)
Those with affected handsets report seeing an exclamation mark on their Apple Watch's display. There's also a link to a support page for the Apple Watch with instructions on what to do when the exclamation mark appears (or is otherwise frozen at the Apple logo screen).
"Force restart your Apple Watch: Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo," Apple states. "If force restarting your Apple Watch doesn't resolve the issue, you'll need to have your Apple Watch serviced."
Those who have been bitten by the watchOS 3.1.1 bug say that force resetting their wearable does not work. To make matters even more frustrating, retail Apple Stores are unable to fix the problem because it requires access to the diagnostic port, which isn't performed in-store. However, affected users can request a replacement.
The issue seems to mostly affect Apple Watch Series 2 devices. Not everyone with a second generation Apple Watch who installed the watchOS 3.1.1 update ended up with a bricked wearable, though it is not clear why some have failed while others have not.
Source: Reddit (Moust4ki)
Those with affected handsets report seeing an exclamation mark on their Apple Watch's display. There's also a link to a support page for the Apple Watch with instructions on what to do when the exclamation mark appears (or is otherwise frozen at the Apple logo screen).
"Force restart your Apple Watch: Press and hold both the side button and Digital Crown for at least 10 seconds, until you see the Apple logo," Apple states. "If force restarting your Apple Watch doesn't resolve the issue, you'll need to have your Apple Watch serviced."
Those who have been bitten by the watchOS 3.1.1 bug say that force resetting their wearable does not work. To make matters even more frustrating, retail Apple Stores are unable to fix the problem because it requires access to the diagnostic port, which isn't performed in-store. However, affected users can request a replacement.
